WWE Champion Damian Priest Voices Marvel Villain The Hood in New Game Update

Key points

• Damian Priest was officially announced as the voice actor for The Hood in Marvel Rivals on Tuesday.
• The character is a Vanguard class tank who uses twin pistols and can switch between human and demon forms.
• The Hood joins the game roster during Season 9.5, titled 'The Mystery of Thebes,' launching on August 7.
• Priest previously auditioned for and was offered a role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever but had to decline due to WWE commitments under Vince McMahon.
• The update also includes storage optimizations for PC, PS5, and Xbox, new swimsuit cosmetics, and animation updates for Lady Loki.

Background

This development follows recent Marvel announcements at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where Black Panther III was revealed with David Jonsson taking over the mantle from T’Challa’s son, and Ghost Rider was confirmed for a 2028 film. While those are live-action projects, Priest’s involvement is in the digital realm, expanding Marvel’s presence in gaming.

How outlets are covering it

Cageside Seats emphasizes the narrative arc of Priest finally securing a Marvel role after being blocked by WWE management in 2022, highlighting his 'Wepa' catchphrase in the trailer. Cinelinx focuses on the gameplay mechanics, describing The Hood as a tank in the Vanguard role with rapid-fire abilities and demonic powers, while noting the technical updates included in the season patch.

Why it matters

This collaboration bridges professional wrestling and major comic book franchises, offering fans a new way to engage with WWE personalities. It also demonstrates Marvel’s strategy to expand its brand into competitive video games, utilizing recognizable voices to attract new players.

What to watch

Players can expect The Hood to be available in Marvel Rivals starting August 7. The update will also introduce new cosmetic items and performance optimizations for various platforms. No further live-action roles for Priest have been announced, but his success in gaming may open future opportunities.